Youth Academy Program

The Hayward Police Department’s Summer Youth Academy is a week long program offered annually each summer.

This unique opportunity provides students with a greater understanding of the inner workings of a police department, as well as procedures, as taught by the Law Enforcement professionals themselves. The purpose of the academy is to educate the youth on what laws are enforced and their importance, as well as strengthen the relationship between both the community and the Police.  

This course may include exposure to simulated firearms and graphic subject matter.

Sign-up for the 2024 Youth Academy:

The 2024 academy will take place July 8 - 12, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Open to students grades 8-12. Students entering the 8th grade for the 2024-2025 school year are welcome.

Complete this online form to register

Applications are due by Friday, June 17, 2024.

Class size is limited. Light snacks will be provided.

Class locations will be held in Hayward at:  

  • Downtown Library (Map)
  • Hayward Executive Airport Hangar (Map)

The Academy is presented over five days and covers the following topics: 

  • Patrol Structure/Recruitment
  • Alcohol/Drug Abuse/Tobacco
  • Special Victims Unit
  • Forensics/Crime Scene
  • Investigations
  • VICE/Intelligence
  • Traffic Enforcement
  • Gangs & Graffiti
  • SWAT/K9 Demo
  • Crisis Negotiation/De-Escalation
  • Bomb Squad demo
  • Cyber bullying/Social Media
  • Healthy dating/Domestic Violence